A regional effort aims to prevent deadly crashes in Northwest Missouri.

The Northwest Regions Coalition for Roadway Safety will hold a workshop next month for area high schools.

Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death and injury for youth from 15-24 years old, according to the organization.

The one day workshop will focus on the safety issues facing teens and driving. Issues include seat-belt usage, drunk driving, speeding and texting while driving.

“We know we continue to lose precious lives to needless crashes in our area because young drivers don’t buckle up, they text and drive, drive impaired or do a variety of other unsafe behaviors,” said Jackie Spainhower, the executive director of the Northwest Region’s coalition. “This Team Spirit event is a great way for schools to proactively educate their students and hopefully save lives and prevent injuries – all at no cost to them.”

The Team Spirit event will be March 6th in the St Joseph Civic arena.  Schools must sign up by February 25th and can do so by calling 888-275-6636

“Sign your school up today to keep our teens safe on our roads and help them Arrive Alive,” Spainhower said.